Strategies to Support Employee Well-Being in the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry thrives on creating wonderful experiences for guests. But who makes those smiles happen? It’s the hardworking team members who welcome guests, prepare meals, keep things spotless, and manage endless details with care.

Yet, while they are busy making others feel at home, many of them quietly face long hours, physical strain, and high-pressure environments. Many feel burned out.

Not surprisingly, it was one of the top industries with the highest employee exit rates in 2024. That’s a clear sign: it’s time to do more to support the people who keep your business running.

In this article, we’ll share a few actionable strategies that can make a big difference in your employees’ well-being.

#1 Provide Flexible Scheduling

Unpredictable hours are a major challenge in hospitality. Many workers face last-minute schedule changes. This unpredictability makes it incredibly hard to manage personal commitments, such as childcare arrangements or important appointments.

To make matters worse, only a quarter (24%) get two consecutive days off twice a month.

Flexible scheduling can change this for the better. It allows employees to adjust their working hours to fit personal needs. This could be for childcare, pursuing education, or simply for some much-needed relaxation.

Companies like Marriott and Red Roof have seen success by adopting these practices.

Try to provide work schedules well in advance. This predictive scheduling can help staff plan their personal lives and other commitments.

You can also embrace shift swapping. Team members can trade shifts when unexpected life events occur. This offers them more control over their personal lives and builds trust within the team. It also helps reduce no-shows, keeping operations running smoothly.

Part-time and split-shift options work wonders, too. They help businesses cover busy periods effectively.

#2 Support Physical Health and Nutrition

Hospitality workers often struggle to maintain healthy eating habits due to irregular schedules and limited break times. But keeping your body fueled and fit is incredibly important for maintaining energy and focus throughout the day.

Providing nutritious meals, such as fresh salads, fruit, nuts, or Greek yogurt, can help maintain consistent productivity and mental clarity. Nutrients in healthy foods help produce dopamine, which boosts attention, memory, and motivation. Encourage physical activity, even if it’s just a few minutes of stretching.

Supporting physical health also means creating space for honest conversations about personal health issues. Urinary incontinence, for instance, is quite common in females. While pregnancy and childbirth are often contributing factors, studies have shown that physically demanding work can significantly increase the risk.

Transvaginal mesh implants were once considered an excellent option. But women who underwent the surgery experienced serious complications. Some women complained of chronic pain, infections, and vaginal scarring and bleeding.

This led to widespread lawsuits against major mesh manufacturers, including Ethicon and Coloplast. While the transvaginal mesh settlement amounts vary, lawyers predict they could range from $40,000 to $450,000.

Fostering open dialogue in the workplace can help women seek support sooner and avoid preventable medical ordeals.

#3 Invest in Ergonomic Workstations

Hospitality jobs often involve a lot of physical work. Think about housekeepers lifting heavy items or kitchen staff standing for long hours. These repetitive tasks can cause aches, pains, and serious injuries over time.

In fact, hotel workers are nearly 40% more likely to get injured on the job than other service workers.

Investing in ergonomic equipment can significantly reduce the risk of injuries.

For kitchen teams, adjustable height counters are a game-changer. These allow everyone to work at a comfortable level, reducing strain on backs and necks. Tool selection also matters. Provide sharp knives and utensils with large, rounded, padded handles to reduce force and awkward postures.

Front desk and office staff also benefit greatly from ergonomic considerations. Investing in adjustable chairs with good lumbar support allows team members to sit comfortably with their feet flat on the floor. This promotes proper spinal alignment.

For housekeeping, provide lightweight, height-adjustable tools, such as mops with telescopic handles. Train staff on safe lifting techniques, like bending with their knees and keeping items close to their bodies. Also, encourage them to take short, regular breaks and implement task rotation to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

Investing in employee well-being is a genuine win-win for everyone involved. It leads to happier, healthier, and more engaged employees who feel valued and cared for. This translates directly into tangible business benefits: reduced burnout, lower turnover, and increased productivity. Remember, supporting employee well-being isn't just the right thing to do, but it’s smart business. Happy, healthy employees provide better customer service, stay with your company longer, and create a positive atmosphere that guests notice and appreciate.